Central Oregon sees a drop in homelessness after years of steady rise

After years of a troubling rise, homelessness in central Oregon has taken a positive turn, dropping by 19.1% to nearly 1,700 individuals in 2026. This significant decline marks a hopeful shift, celebrated by housing advocates, state lawmakers, and Gov. Tina Kotek. The reversal comes as a relief to those who've been working tirelessly to address the issue, signaling potential success for the strategies implemented to tackle homelessness. It’s a crucial development that underscores the importance of sustained efforts in affordable housing and support services.